What is a Thermal Device?

The fundamentals of thermal imaging are simple. Thermal imaging captures heat signatures, or images, which are invisible to the naked eye.

Because all objects emit some amount of radiation, thermal imaging can make a heat signature visible to anyone. This technology was first utilized on a large scale in World War 2, when British anti-aircraft used thermal radars to detect German bombers.

Since then, thermographic technology has rapidly developed, becoming one of the most important scientific innovations in the history of mankind.

Equally potent during day or night, you may not realize how thermal imaging plays a role in everyday life.

A bowhunter with a Pulsar thermal monocular

First Responders and Thermal Imaging

All citizens should want police, firemen and other emergency services to have the best technology available if they ever need to save your life.

In the past 20 years, as thermal devices become more powerful and widespread, there have been numerous instances of thermals making the difference between life and death.

An elderly gentleman, who got lost in a field in Brownsville, Texas, was ultimately located by Search-and-Rescue workers using a thermal drone (Full story here).

Another time, a Nebraska man was driving down a rural road in the dead of night when he stopped at an intersection and heard cries for help from a nearby field. Unable to see anything, he extracted his Pulsar Trail XP50 riflescope and peered into the gloom.

He was instantly able to see a wrecked vehicle and three people trapped inside. He quickly called 9-1-1, and in the end, all three survived, which would have been highly unlikely without the quick-thinking Samaritan and his Pulsar Trail XP50 riflescope. (Full story here)

More dramatically, fire departments across the country have been investing in Pulsar to assist firefighters searching for victims, often children, who may be hiding in closets or under beds away from the flames and smoke. (Read about one such instance here)

Ranching and Thermal

Also, thermal imaging is also a valuable tool for ranchers and farmers. For owners of large properties, keeping account of livestock is akin to a Wall Street banker keeping track of stock portfolios.

Every animal is worth money, and it’s impossible to watch them all 24 hours a day. Some animals wander to different properties, fall into a ditch, get killed by coyotes or wolves, or are even poached or stolen.

For a responsible rancher, locating your livestock can be as simple as ascending a hill or overlook, pulling out your pocket-sized Pulsar Axion XM30S monocular and scanning the area.

Without this technology, locating and counting those animals, and potential threats, would be nigh impossible.

Additionally, thermal imaging has been shown to be a noninvasive way to measure temperatures in livestock. This allows ranchers to quickly identify disease or pregnancy in their animals.

A huntress with a Pulsar Trail

A man with thermal binoculars

Hunting and Thermal

Hunting with thermal imaging equipment is legal in the USA, but shooters should always check with their state’s specific laws. Some states restrict the use of artificial lighting, which animals may be hunted, or determined certain activities are only permissible on private property.

For thermal imaging, some states require a permit. Before hunting, it is crucial to check with your local game warden before heading off into the bush.

A quick-check guide is available here.

The official US website is here.

If you’re not hunting, spotting and stalking are generally permissible with thermal imaging equipment.

Pulsar Axion XM30S

Building Inspection and Thermal

Also, thermal cameras can be used in home and building inspections. They are highly effective at locating trapped moisture, water leaks, air flow, insulation and electrical problems (Read about it here).

Additionally, thermal imaging cameras are non-invasive. So there’s no need to rip up drywall, floorboards or anything else when you’re using them on a building.

With a product like the Pulsar Axion XM30S, you could easily inspect your home, possibly saving yourself thousands in repairs.  

Thermal Imaging For the Future

Thermal imaging technology has been changing the world for nearly a century. Its uses will likely continue to grow and evolve.

There are environmental factors which may limit your thermal imaging’s ability to function: Excessive humidity, fog and snow are just a few factors which may affect your thermal imager’s performance.

Consequently, for emergency service personnel, ranchers and farmers, police, hunters and building inspectors, or anyone who needs to detect a heat signature, thermal imaging is invaluable. And if you’re going to invest in thermal imaging, why not invest in the best?

For further assistance please submit a request located in the top right hand corner of this page or give us a call!